Improvement in the fastening of the handles of mining-picks



UNTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

.TOHN B. PRESSEY AND DANIEL SHEETS, OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE FASTENING 0F THE HANDLES OF MINING-PICKS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 33,454, dated October 8, 1861.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we,.IOHN B. PRESSEY and DANIEL SHEETS, now residing in the city of Buifalo and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mining-Picks; and we do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference beinghad to the accompanyin g drawings, making a part of this specilication, in which- Figure I is aiperspective of our improved piek as a Whole. Fig. Il is a longitudinal section. a plane at right angles to Fig. II;Figs. IV and V, side and end view of the socket, which is connected to and forms a part of the pickhandle. Fig. VI is a section to represent the form of the eye made through the pick-blade. Fig. VII is a side view of the removable shank which connects the pick-blade to its handle.

The nature of our invention relates to making a removableshank, as a means of fastening the pick-blade to its handle, so constructed that it may pass through the eye of the pickblade and securely hold therein by its larger end, while its smaller end shall pass into the pick-handle and be keyed or otherwise fastened thereto; and it'consists in the construction and combination of the several parts as described.

Letters of like name and kindrefer to like parts in each of the'iigures.

A represents a pick-blade made of wroughtiron and laid with steel in acommon manner of Working iron and steel. An oval and tapering eye is made through the center of the pick-blade, as shown at c. It is shaped by means of a die to receive the removable shank. WVe prefer the tapering and oval-shaped eye, as described; but other forms could be used.

B is a removable shank, made tapering, and at its larger end exactly fitted to the eye, so that when it is driven into its place it lls the eye and leaves a smooth surfacer on the outside of the pick-blade, while its smaller end projects through sufficiently far to enter the socket of the pickhandle and be keyed Fig. III is a longitudinal section on thereto. A mortise is made through its smaller end to receive the key or wedge c, as shown in Figs. II and III. This shank may be cast and malleableized, or it may be made of wrought-iron. W'e prefer the former mode of making it.

D represents the socket. This is cast and made malleable. It has two prongs CZ and d2, by which it is made fast to the wood part of the handle by means'of rivets g g or otherwise. The socket part has a mortise m, corresponding to the mortise through the shank, so that the vkey c will pass through both, as shown in Figs. I, II, and III, and draw the pick-blade tightly to the socket. It has also two shoulders, as shown at d3, in order to form a broad and bracing bearing against the pick-blade. NVhen the key is driven in, the parts Will be firmly held together. The key may be removed at pleasure and the pick-blade separated from the handle for repairs or other purposes. Y

E represents the wood part of the handle. The socket is fastened to this wood part, and the two combined make a very strong and durable handle.

The advantages of a pick constructed as herein described are its cheapness and the easy manner in which its several parts may be constructed, and in the superior strength, durability, and perfectness of the tool when made. The removable shank is applicable to hammers, forks, and other like implements.

What we claim as our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The removable shank B, as a means of connecting and fastening the pick-blade to its handle, substantially as described.

2. The combination of the removable shank B with the pick-blade A, socket D, and key O,for the purposes set forth. i

JOHN B. PRESSEY. DANIEL SHEETS.

Witnesses:

E. B. FoEBUsH, i J. G. STAUNTON. 

